Selling a property in Italy can be complicated, especially if you’re not familiar with local procedures. Using an estate agency can make the process much smoother, helping you navigate legal requirements, paperwork, and negotiations. This is everything you need to know.
Why use an Italian estate agency?
Working with a professional estate agent in Italy comes with several advantages:
- Expert guidance: An experienced agent understands the Italian property market and can help you price your home realistically.
- Paperwork made easy: Italian property sales involve bureaucracy that can be tricky for foreigners. Agents handle land registry checks, documentation, and any mortgages or property rights issues.
- Faster sales: Agents promote your property effectively, manage viewings, and negotiate with potential buyers, often resulting in a quicker sale.
Italian agencies usually operate independently, managing everything from advertising the property to negotiating the final price.
How selling through an Italian estate agency works
- Signing a sales mandate
The first step is signing a formal sales mandate (mandato di vendita). This document authorises the agency to market your property and find potential buyers. It specifies the commission (typically 2–5% of the sale price, plus VAT), the duration of the agreement, and the services included. - Property valuation
The agent will assess your property to determine a realistic market price, based on local trends and demand. - Marketing your property
Your home will be promoted online via property portals (like Idealista or Immobiliare.it), on social media, and in physical agency windows. The agency manages all enquiries and arranges viewings for serious buyers. - Negotiation and mediation
The agent acts as a mediator between seller and buyer, handling offers, objections, and negotiations to reach a mutually satisfactory price and sale conditions. - Purchase offer and preliminary contract
When a buyer makes an offer, the seller can accept or decline. If accepted, the parties sign a preliminary contract (compromesso) and the buyer pays a deposit. The sale is finalised at the notary (rogito notarile), who ensures all legal requirements are met. - Paying the commission
The estate agency’s commission is paid once the sale is completed. Payments should be traceable (bank transfer or cheque), and the agent must issue an invoice.
Exclusivity and mandates in Italy
Most Italian agencies work under an exclusive mandate, meaning the seller agrees not to use other agencies for the same property. Exclusivity is not mandatory, but it often helps ensure the agent invests more effort into selling your property.
Without a mandate, the agency has no legal obligation to sell your property, no active role in negotiations, and no right to a commission. You remain free to sell independently or through another agency.
Costs of Italian estate agencies
While there is no fixed legal rate, estate agency commissions in Italy typically range from 2% to 5% of the property value, plus VAT. For example, on a €200,000 property, the commission would be between €4,000 and €10,000. These terms are always agreed in advance in the sales mandate.
Tips for foreign sellers in Italy
- Choose an experienced local agent: Look for someone familiar with selling to foreigners and who can communicate clearly in English.
- Understand Italian bureaucracy: Documents, land registry checks, and notarial requirements are mandatory.
- Negotiate the commission: Commission rates are not fixed—don’t be afraid to discuss them.
- Consider exclusivity carefully: If you want the agent fully committed, an exclusive mandate can help.
Selling property in Italy can be smooth and rewarding if you work with the right professionals. An experienced estate agency will guide you through every step, saving time, stress, and potential mistakes.
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